Your Child Has Just Been Arrested—Now What?
Few moments in life are as terrifying as seeing your child in handcuffs or in a detention facility. As parents, our instinct is to protect and guide our children—especially when they’re at their most vulnerable. At Briones Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it is when your child is facing criminal charges. We’re here to stand beside you, protect your child’s rights, and help navigate the complex and emotional world of the Massachusetts juvenile justice system.
We handle dozens of juvenile crime cases each year, and our goal in every case is to achieve a resolution that protects your child’s future and gives them the opportunity to move forward.
What Is a Juvenile Crime?
In Massachusetts, a juvenile crime refers to any criminal offense committed by a person under the age of 18. These offenses can range from minor infractions to serious felonies. The key difference is that juveniles are generally processed through the juvenile court system, which is designed to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment.
However, if the offense is serious enough, or if the juvenile has a prior record, the prosecution may seek to transfer the case to adult court, where the consequences are far more severe. This is why it is critical to work with an attorney who understands how to keep your child’s case in the juvenile system and advocate for outcomes that prioritize your child’s growth and potential.
We Have Successfully Handled a Wide Range of Juvenile Cases, Including:
- Drug possession and drug trafficking
- Underage drinking and DUI
- Shoplifting and theft offenses
- Assault and battery
- Sex-related offenses involving minors
Every juvenile case is unique and deeply personal. Our attorneys take a compassionate and strategic approach to ensure your child is treated fairly and given every opportunity to avoid long-term legal consequences.
Understanding the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice System
The Massachusetts juvenile court system operates differently from adult criminal court. Its primary focus is on rehabilitation, counseling, and intervention—not incarceration. The goal is to address the underlying causes of a young person’s behavior and provide resources to steer them in a better direction.
However, the legal process is still serious, and a juvenile conviction can result in:
- Probation and mandatory supervision
- Community service requirements
- Mandatory counseling or treatment programs
- Placement in a juvenile detention facility
- A lasting juvenile record that could affect future opportunities
In more severe cases, the court may consider transferring a juvenile to adult court. This is a decision that must be aggressively challenged, as adult court convictions carry more significant penalties and long-term consequences.
How Briones Law Group Can Help
We understand that children often act on impulse, emotion, or peer pressure—and that a single mistake should not define their future. Our experienced juvenile defense attorneys will:
- Work to have your child released into your custody following an arrest
- Challenge the evidence and advocate for dismissal or diversion programs
- Ensure your child’s case remains in juvenile court
- Fight for rehabilitative outcomes such as counseling, education, or community service
- Seek to expunge or seal your child’s juvenile record when eligible
At Briones Law Group, we treat every juvenile case with the urgency, care, and discretion it deserves. Our goal is to protect your child’s legal rights and secure a future that is not defined by this difficult moment.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Child’s Future
If your child has been arrested or is facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, don’t wait. The sooner we become involved, the more we can do to protect their rights and advocate for a second chance.
Contact Briones Law Group today for a confidential case evaluation. Let us help you take the next step toward safeguarding your child’s future and putting them back on the path to success.